The Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year in a row, due to the “ongoing complexities” related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The race at the Suzuka circuit was scheduled for the 10th of October, as part of a triple-header between the Russian Grand Prix and Turkish GP.

However, on Wednesday organisers confirmed it will not be going ahead.

A statement from Formula 1 read: “Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan the decision has been taken by the Japanese Government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country.”

“Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond.”

Although Japan successfully held the Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors, the country is battling record-breaking COVID-19 infections, with several parts of the country re-entering a state of emergency in mid-July, for the fourth time since the pandemic.

The News follows the same fate as Japan’s MotoGP, which was scheduled to take place in October but scrapped back in June amidst COVID-19 concerns.

Honda is the owner of the Suzuka circuit which has hosted the Japanese GP since 2009: “It is unfortunate that, for a second consecutive year, it has not been possible to hold the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix at Suzuka,” the team said in a statement.

Honda, who has hosted 31 GPs since 1987, will withdraw from the sport at the end of the season, however, will now be deprived of a final farewell on their home turf. 

“As Honda, we are particularly disappointed, because this is the final year of our Formula 1 project and we know that so many fans were looking forward to attending the event,” Honda said. 

Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks.